Image parameters (contd.)

Noise Filter

When we reviewed the Olympus E-410, the E-420's predecessor, we found that the Noise Filter was applied surprisingly heavily even at ISO 100 and that it had a significant (negative) impact on overall image sharpness. On the new model Olympus has changed this approach quite radically and reduced the Noise Filter impact at base ISO to a minimum. At (very) close inspection you will see a marginal difference between an image taken with the Noise Filter switched off and on the 'High' setting (check the face of the clock and you'll find very slightly more visible detail). Still, even without any Noise Filtering the image is still pretty soft (and has little of the surface detail we'd normally see on this watch face); as covered elsewhere we can only presume this is down to the use of a slightly stronger low pass filter on the sensor itself.

Noise Filter: Off

Noise Filter: Low

Noise Filter: Standard (default)

Noise Filter: High

Gradation

The E-420 features the same 'gradation' setting seen on previous E series cameras and now alse features the E3's 'Auto' setting. The gradation parameter provides the ability to change the brightness of the image to either low key, normal and high key. In reality all this appears to do is apply +0.3 EV or -0.3 EV adjustment to the metered exposure and subtly adjust the tone curve applied. The four shots below: 1/50 sec (Auto), 1/25 sec (High Key), 1/50 sec (Low Key), 1/40 sec (Normal). (Picture mode Natural used for these samples).

The 'Auto' setting lifts the shadows in order to increase the dynamic range of very high contrast scenes. Unfortunately this usually also generates quite some image noise in these lifted areas. You're therefore better off shooting RAW and doing this kind of tonal correction at the RAW conversion stage.

Comments

I have had this DSLR for almost a year, as it is my first one. It came with two lenses, and one of the lenses recently has been having problems focusing. I had bought it refurbished, so that could have been the problem. Other than that, I have loved it. It takes great pictures, and is nice and compact. I don't know how it works in its automatic settings, as I only use any camera in full manual mode. But for a first DSLR, I have loved it, and I would use an olympus any day.

I bought this oldie digital as a first experience vith digital cameras, even still use film mainly. So may it was a wrong decision, but I stay beside classic film photography. This camera slow, cheap and only manual mode able to firing promptly. I missed such a moments just because it wait so much before release the shutter. The lens as it is, so far from my zeiss with contax 35mm. Obviously nonsense to compare 66 rolleiflex images. There are lots of set up features, but practically takes long time to modify them, which disturb so much the picture taking. The CF card door a slim plastic door, very fragile. The viewfinder very small. All around this model are far away any real reflex cameras, it seems who design it just never take pictures with a proper camera. I can not recommend this camera, better to smash them all in the name of photography.